Absent Delegate Quits

Poised to miss his 14th consecutive interim session, Delegate Ron Thompson resigned from the Legislature this week, The Associated Press reports.

Because of his prolonged absence, the Raleigh County Democrat nearly lost his seat in an historic vote during this year's regular session. Fellow House members relented upon news that he is being treated for severe depression.

“While my condition continues to improve, my full recovery time is taking longer than originally anticipated," Thompson wrote this week, according to The Register-Herald of Beckley. "Therefore, I feel that is in the best interest of the constituents which I serve that I take such action."

The Beckley newspaper also spoke with other members of the 27th Delegate District. Others with the story include MetroNews, West Virginia Media, The Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail.

"A Democratic committee for Thompson’s 27th District has 15 days to recommend three names to Gov. Joe Manchin for his successor," the AP article notes. "The governor then has five days to select Thompson’s replacement, who would serve out the remainder of the term."